. >> this isn't about getting a handle on the deficits or debt for him. it's about spending even more than he already has. >> white house aides reject republican claims that holding the debt limit over the president head is the only mechanism to get him to trim spending. >> you are going to keep the debt limit goes higher and you're spending money. you and congress. >> president signed in law, $1 trillion in spending cuts. there is a specific proposal to achieve $600 billion in savings from our entitlement programs. including our healthcare entitlement program. jay carney went so far to compare republican pressure on debt creeling to hostage taking. >> this is a profoundly bad idea that i think could not be more frightening for american businesses. and american workers. >> of course, treasury secretary geithner it go may have also frightened people yesterday. by telling cnbc the white house is prepared to go off the fiscal cliff, unless the republicans bend on taxes. comment by former democratic presidential candidate howard dean frightened republics that